How would a no-deal Brexit affect domestic-focused UK firms?

Analysis: We’ve heard a lot about the likely effects for exporters and manufacturers. But what about the impact on firms that only sell in the UK? Ben Chu looks at the possible consequences

Supermarkets may sell only to British-based customers but around 30 per cent of our food is imported from the EU (Getty/iStock)

The Brexit media spotlight has, for understandable reasons, tended to shine on exporting firms and major manufacturers with just-in-time supply chains, such as Nissan.

These businesses are clearly at severe risk from the impact of a no-deal Brexit because they would suddenly face EU tariffs or import delivery problems that could shatter their ability to function.

But what about UK firms that don’t export or manufacture? What about those companies that simply serve the domestic market? What about smaller companies? What might the impact on them be?